What Is Hard Water, and Why Is It Prevalent in Florida?
Hard water is characterized by a high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium ions, dissolved in it. For a detailed explanation of what hard water is, you can refer to our article on hard water.
Groundwater in Florida typically contains between 121-180 mg/L (milligrams per liter), indicating hard water. Florida's hard water is a result of the state's geological composition, particularly its limestone bedrock.
Limestone, primarily consisting of calcium carbonate, readily dissolves in water, contributing to elevated levels of calcium and magnesium ions in Florida's water sources. Rainwater seeps through the limestone, absorbing minerals along the way and increasing the state's water hardness.
How Does Hard Water Affect Plumbing and Appliances in Florida Homes?
The high mineral content in hard water, which is prevalent in Florida homes, poses various challenges for plumbing and household appliances.
Calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water accumulate and form limescale deposits within pipes and fixtures over time, leading to reduced water flow and increased pressure on plumbing systems.
These mineral deposits also decrease the efficiency and lifespan of water appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Over time, the buildup of limescale will progressively clog the pipes of these water appliances, significantly shortening their lifespan.
How Can Homeowners Prevent Hard Water Issues in Florida's Homes?
In Florida homes, homeowners can effectively address hard water issues by considering repiping with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing.
PEX is the ideal repiping option for combating hard water due to its resistance to corrosion and scale formation, traits that make it highly durable in environments with elevated mineral content.
Unlike traditional metal piping materials like copper (hard water is one of the leading causes of pinhole leaks in copper piping), PEX tubing is resistant to the corrosive effects of lime scale buildup and pitting. Additionally, due to PEX tubing requiring fewer fittings, limescale is less likely to build up around bends and connections.
By opting for PEX repiping, homeowners not only minimize the need for ongoing maintenance and repairs associated with hard water buildup but also ensure the long-term reliability and performance of their plumbing systems. (Note: All piping materials are affected by hard water, including PEX. However, PEX is generally more effective against scale buildup.)
Repiping with PEX addresses the challenges posed by Florida's hard water while providing a durable and cost-effective solution for ensuring the longevity of your home's plumbing. For more information, you can read our article on the many benefits of PEX tubing.
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Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced plumbing in thousands of homes across the USA with modern Uponor PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their whole home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Fix hard water damage in Florida, repipe with PEX.